African Evergreen Plant Care
Nephthytis swainei Bogner
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nephthytis swainei is a species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical West Africa.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Evergreen?
Water African Evergreen every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the African Evergreen Native To?
What Is the African Evergreen?
African Evergreen (Nephthytis swainei) belongs to the Araceae family within the Nephthytis genus. African Evergreen is native to tropical West Africa. African Evergreen is also known as Arrowhead Vine.
African Evergreen displays a trailing vine growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African Evergreen produces small, white spathes.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Evergreen?
Nephthytis swainei requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African Evergreen Need?
African Evergreen thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Evergreen in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Evergreen Prefer?
Nephthytis swainei grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African Evergreen prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Evergreen?
Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Evergreen to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Evergreen?
Feed African Evergreen every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a African Evergreen?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a African Evergreen?
African Evergreen can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.
Is the African Evergreen Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African Evergreen?
African Evergreen is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African Evergreen Need?
African Evergreen grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African Evergreen is native to tropical West Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Evergreen as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
African Evergreen is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Nephthytis genus — compare its care with other Nephthytis species on PlantoScan.
Nephthytis is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
African Evergreen thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nephthytis swainei Bogner, family Araceae (first published in Aroideana 3: 79 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: African Evergreen is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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